Anorexia athletic is a disorder where people exercise excessively, leading to injuries and complications such as low bone density. Patients feel they need to exercise at all costs, and it can be associated with disordered eating. Treatment involves addressing mental and physical health issues. Adolescent girls are most at risk.
Anorexia athletic is a disorder in which people exercise excessively, to the point of injury and potential complications such as low bone density, leading to an increased susceptibility to fractures. This condition is also known as exercise addiction or compulsive exercise, demonstrating that patients usually feel they need to exercise at all costs and view exercise as an obligation, not something pleasurable or as a means to an end how to prepare for the competition. Adolescent girls are most at risk of anorexia athletic.
There is no hard and fast rule about how much exercise is excessive. Competitive athletes can train for hours every day, yet be quite healthy, as they eat balanced diets, enjoy their work, and avoid injuries. Generally, signs of anorexia athletic include exercising even when injured, rapid weight loss, and negative attitudes about body image, often expressed in the form of a belief that more exercise will make the patient’s body more attractive.
Patients with AA feel guilty about skipping exercise sessions, limit other activities to make room for more exercise, and may become secretive about their habits if people around them start expressing concern. This condition can also be associated with disordered eating, including fasting or binges and purging. Patients may also have complicated rules about “safe” foods and exercise, and may prescribe punishments for themselves for skipping exercise or eating foods on the “unsafe” list.
People with this condition can develop hormonal imbalances leading to delayed puberty and cessation of menstrual periods. They can suffer serious muscle and tendon injuries and can develop stress fractures from strenuous exercise. Low energy is a common problem and skin and hair alterations can also be observed as a result of a poor diet; the patient may appear sallow, for example, or may have thinning hair.
Treatment for anorexia athletic involves addressing mental health issues along with physical health issues. Patients can work with nutritionists to develop healthier eating regimens and can consult counselors and physical therapists to learn how to exercise safely and place limits on exercise. Hormone therapy may be provided in some cases. People with anorexia athletic may also benefit from regular psychotherapy as well as supportive care from family and friends, including assistance while patients try to develop healthier life patterns and work on their attitudes about body image and to physical health.
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